URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1223

Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Housing and Communities, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 7.   The report before Members sought approval to dispose of 23 Shelley Road and 52 Gratwicke Road (“the site”) to Worthing Homes, and to enter into contract to secure the redevelopment of the site to provide affordable homes. Upon completion of the development, the Council would lease back a portion of the homes to let as Council accommodation.   Disposing of the site to Worthing Homes would recover the purchase price of the properties, thereby relieving the Council of this debt, and it would also secure the delivery of affordable homes in Worthing, including council accommodation. The Council would have 100% nomination rights in perpetuity over all units, and would directly manage and receive income from the portion of units which would be leased back to the council.   The report followed the publication of the Adur & Worthing Housing Strategy 2025-2030, which stipulated the need for the council to increase the amount of genuinely affordable housing and prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.   The contract for the disposal would contain obligations requiring Worthing Homes to procure a contractor to deliver the site in a timely manner in line with the obtained planning consent, to enter into a nominations agreement with the council ahead of practical completion, and to lease back a portion of the units to the council, for use as temporary accommodation (TA). The disposal is subject to Worthing Homes achieving a satisfactory planning permission, and securing Homes England funding.     Decision:   1.     That it be noted that, subject to the completion of the Worthing Integrated Care Centre (WICC) development, the council is contractually obliged to purchase 23 Shelley Road and note the outcome of the marketing exercise to secure redevelopment of the site for affordable housing referred to in this report;   2.     That the Director for Housing and Communities be delegated to negotiate the final Heads of Terms with Worthing Homes (or other social housing provider) for the sale of 23 Shelley Road and 52 Gratwicke Road in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Members for Housing & Citizen Services.   3.     That subject to approved Heads of Terms meeting best consideration and substantially the proposals set out in this report, the Director for Housing and Communities be delegated authority to enter into all contracts and associated legal documentation required to effect the disposals of 23 Shelley Road and 52 Gratwicke Road.       Call In: The call-in deadline for decisions will be 5.00pm on 13 June 2025

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025